The drivers of these vehicles could have vital information to help detectives with an inquiry into three shooting incidents in the city.

Police have released the pictures, captured on CCTV camera, in a bid to identify witnesses to a shooting in Burges, in the city centre, early on Sunday, August 10.

The gunman fired at a bus stop in the street, which was still thronged by taxis, cars and late-night drinkers, acccording to police.

About half an hour later, shots were fired at a house and car in Sewall Highway, Wyken.

The following night, a man was shot in the street, also in Sewall Highway.

Det Chief Insp Debbie Harrod, of Little Park Street police, is heading the investigation into the three incidents, which police believe to be linked to a dispute between "criminal" gangs.

Having appealed for taxi drivers who were in the area of Burges at the time of the shooting, police are now keen to trace the drivers of two private vehicles.

One is thought to be a dark-coloured VW Golf, caught on camera near the clock at the bottom of Burges between 3am and 3.20am.

The second is a light-coloured 4 x 4 which stopped near the Subway sandwich shop. The driver briefly got out and looked back towards the scene of the shooting, before driving off, police say.

Det Chief Insp Harrod said: "The drivers were in the area at the time of the shooting and we would like to speak to them to eliminate them from our inquiries - they may have very important information for us."

* A man arrested in connection with the inquiry has been charged with unrelated firearms offences and wounding. He has been remanded in custody pending a further court appearance.